The City of Douglas kindly encourages businesses within the city limits that have not paid their 2025 occupational tax to take a moment to secure their business license at their earliest convenience. Beginning August 28, 2025, overdue business license accounts will incur penalties—so paying the delinquent tax today is the best way to avoid penalties.
“We understand that running a business is sometimes challenging; however, it is important that delinquent business owners comply with the Code of Ordinances of the City of Douglas and secure their occupational tax certificates,” emphasized Georgia Henderson, Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director. “Our Code Enforcement Office has undertaken extensive efforts to notify non-compliant business owners, including sending official notices in January and May 2025, as well as making numerous phone calls. Despite these outreach efforts, several accounts continue to remain past due.”
In accordance with Sections 10-21, 10-35, 10-46, and 10-47 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Douglas, business owners have been notified to bring all delinquent taxes and fees current, and renew their 2025 Occupational Tax Certificate within ten calendar days of the receipt of the letter that was mailed to business owners on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Failure to comply within the time frame will result in immediate enforcement action, including the issuance of citations and the imposition of civil penalties of $1,000 per day for each day of operation without a valid Occupational Tax Certificate. Pursuant to Section 1-11 of the City of Douglas Code of Ordinances, $1,000 is the maximum fine allowable per offense, and each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense. Fines may be collected by execution, and additional measures may include revocation of your Occupational Tax Certificate and initiation of lien or levy actions as authorized under Sections 10-40, 10-42, and I 0-43 of the City Ordinance.
Payment of delinquent taxes must be made in full by the close of business on August 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Business owners who wish to appeal the determination of non-compliance may file a written appeal with the City Commission within ten days of receiving the letter dated August 14. For more information on how to file the appeal or regarding delinquent occupational tax, please contact the Code Enforcement office at (912) 389-3460.